Wild Mushroom Foraging with John Wright
Moon Down are pleased to welcome John Wright, an acknowledged expert and author in foraging for wild food.
John runs foraging courses at River Cottage in South East Devon, at the Kingcombe Centre in West Dorset and on the New Forest, so we are especially pleased that John has now run mushroom foraging courses for us in the South East for over 13 years.
This course is instructional and educational where you will learn about fungi, edible and non-edible, what type of areas you will find different species and the unique properties of fungi.
You will understand how to forage responsibly and safely, only picking what you need. On our forays we take just two baskets for the entire group – one for edible finds and the other for interesting discoveries. We never pick anything rare but we hope to pick enough edible species to fry up later in the day so everyone can have a taster.
John has written:
Mushrooms: River Cottage Handbook No 1
Hedgerow: River Cottage Handbook No 7
Edible Seashore: River Cottage Handbook No 5
Booze: River Cottage Handbook No 12
The Forager’s Calendar
A Natural History of Hedgerow
A Spotters’ Guide to the Countryside
The Observant Walker
John Wright interview with Samantha Day, Meridien FM
Saturday 11th October 2025
Sunday 12th October 2025
£120.00 per person
John Wright
“I have been taking mushroom forays at Moon Down for 13 years now and it has never disappointed. My forays usually find between 50-75 species – which is amazing but 2022 has been exceptional, with 90 species catalogued over 2 days.
It is the enormously varied habitats that allows such a large number of species - wood chip, some exceptional "poor" acid grassland, pines, birch, oak and the type of habitat that can only be described as 'marginal/disturbed'. All have their associated fungi, some of which are quite rare. Moon Down also sports a large number of edible species such as the Penny Bun, Chanterelle, Saffron Milkcap, Fairy Ring Champignon, Puffballs, edible Boletes, Field Mushrooms and many more. Places with such a rich abundance of fungi are not that common and Moon Down is a mycological treasure.”
A typical day’s programme to include all refreshments and substantial 3-course lunch with wine.
10.00am
Meet at Moon Down – Tea/Coffee & biscuits
10.30am
Let the foraging begin!
1.30pm
Jo, from Naked & Ready will prepare a delicious 3-course lunch, which will hopefully include some of the morning’s foraged mushrooms. Lunch will be served with wine.
2.30pm
An afternoon of foraging.
4.00pm
Time to take a closer look at the morning’s finds with John followed by a Q&A session. Accompanied by Afternoon Tea with homemade cake.
5.00pm
Time to go home…
What do I need to bring?
You only need to bring yourself, dressed appropriately for a day’s foraging, so stout boots or shoes teamed with warm and weatherproof clothing.
Wear layers as the weather can be changeable and foraging will go ahead, wind, rain or sunshine!
What I don’t need to bring?
Sorry no children under 16 or dogs.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE – IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT
